Camper body lifting device

ABSTRACT

A device is claimed for lifting camper bodies onto and off a truck bed. The lifting device includes a wheeled, substantially rectangular, support member having a pair of said frames connected at one of their ends by a back frame having a pivot bar and at the other end by a removable connecting bar. To each of the side frames, intermediate their ends, a pair of mechanical jacks having a rack tooth bar and a hollow post are vertically mounted. Brackets are removably fixed to the hollow parts for supporting the camper body during the lifting operation. This device is capable of independent and controlled lifting and also permits the camper body to be leveled and stabilized for use off the truck bed. Another feature is that when the camper body is being supported by the lifting device, it can be utilized and also secured against forced entry.

[11] [45] May 6,

United Stat es P Bury, deceased et al. atent CAMPER BODY LIFTING DEVICE RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 311,320 filed on Dec. l, 1972, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field This invention relates generally to lifting devices, and particularly to a device for placing camper bodies onto a truck bed and for removing same.

2. State of the Art A fairly large number of owners of pickup trucks are also the owners of camper bodies which can be detachably mounted on the trucks bed for intermittent use over weekends, vacations, holidays, etc. The popularity of this style of truck camper" is due to its versatility. When the truck is not being used for recreational purposes, the camper body can be removed and the truck can be used for other purposes.

Unfortunately, though, the removal of camper bodies from a truck bed is no easy task as they are cumbersome and heavy. Even when the difficulties of removing the camper body are resolved, the narrow base and shape of the camper body creates problems of storage and prevents its safe use when the camper body is not securely mounted to the truck bed.

Although several devices have been proposed for removing camper bodies from truck beds, most suffer from undue mechanical complexities and limited capabilities. For example, most lifting devices are adapted to provide simultaneous lifting of all sides of a camper body. They are normally incapable of independently lifting one side or one corner of a camper body and thus are incapable of varying the angle or attitude of the camper body during the lifting operation. ln many cases a variance in angle or attitude will greatly facilitate the placement or removal of a camper body from a truck bed. ln addition, most lifting devices are welded into one piece and thus cannot be readily disassembled and transported on the truck for use at camp grounds.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION lt is therefore an object of this invention to provide a wheeled lifting device which is capable of independently lifting one or all sides of a camper body.

Another object is to provide a wheeled lifting device capable of functioning as a stand for holding a camper body in a level and stable manner so that it can be utilized even when it is separated from the truck bed.

Another object is to provide a combination lifting and holding device capable of being easily rolled about from one location to another and then leveled to suit a particular terrain.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a lifting device which can be dismantled and easily transported for use at camping areas.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a lifting device of simple mechanical structure and which can be constructed from readily available commercial items.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects of this invention are achieved by a camper body lifting device comprising generally a wheeled, substantially rectangular, dismantleable, support member capable of encompassing a camper body and having independent vertical lifting means adapted with removable brackets, mounted at or near each corner of the support member.

With the above device, the operator is presented with the option of actuating each lifting means independently or of actuating them in pairs as the circumstances and occasion may demand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. l is a three dimensional, partially exploded view showing the inventive lifting device;

FIG. 2 is a side view looking towards line 2 2;

FIG. 3 is a side view looking towards line 3 3;

FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of the detachable lifting bracket;

FIG. 5 is a three dimensional view showing a bracket assembly for supporting a pivotally mounted locking bar; and

FIG. 6 is a side view of the bracket assembly shown in FIG. 5 with the locking bar in place and secured.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As shown in FIGS. l 3, the lifting device comprises a pair of identical side frames identified generally by numerals 10 and 20, respectively. The side frames are joined at one end by a back frame 30 and at the other end by a removable connecting bar 40 to form a substantially rectangularly shaped support member S0 for encompassing the walls of a camper body 55 (shown in phantom) which is carried on the bed of a pickup truck.

As shown in the drawings, each of the side frames and the back frame is substantially rectangular in shape. The first side frame includes an upper longitudinal member ll and a lower longitudinal member 12 maintained in vertically spaced relationship by a pair of longitudinally spaced vertical members 13 and 14. These members are immovably fixed to each other at or near their respective ends by bolts 5 or other suitable means such as by screws` clamps, pins and the like. Throughout this description other members will be fixed or bolted to each other to present a stable structure. In each instance, and unless otherwise stated, bolts or pins 5 shall be the means by which this is preferably accomplished as this permits the side frames and front and rear support members to be readily dismantled and transported with the camper on the truck bed.

A diagonal support member or strut l5 extends upward from the lower end of the vertical member I3 to the upper horizontal member ll to form a substantially 30-60-90 triangle. The ends of the diagonal support member are fastened to the vertical and horizontal members by bolts or pins S. The other, or second side frame 20 (see FIGS. l and 3), is identical to the first side frame l0 and includes a pair of vertically spaced longitudinal members 2l and 22 bolted to a pair of longitudinally spaced vertical members 23 and 24. A diagonal support member 25 is likewise provided for added strength and support. As shown in FIGS. l and 2, the back frame 30 comprises a lower longitudinal member bolted at its ends to vertical members 14 and 24, respectively. An upper longitudinal member shown generally by numeral 3l (FIG. 2), is vertically spaced from the lower longitudinal member 32 and, like the lower longitudinal member, is bolted at its ends to vertical members 14 and 24.

A pair of horizontal support members 52 and 53 are also optionally provided to give additional support if required. The horizontal support members are bolted at one of their ends to the lower longitudinal member 32 of the back frame while the other end of one of the diagonals 52 is bolted to the lower longitudinal member 22 of the side frame 20. The other diagonal 53 extends from the back frame to the lower longitudinal member 12 and bolted thereto.

ln the embodiment shown, the upper longitudinal member 3l is broken into three longitudinal segments 33, 34 and 35. The center segment, or locking bar 34, is pivotally mounted to the vertical member 37 by a pin 45 to permit the segment 34 to be pivotally raised and lowered. This feature provides a convenient means for entering and using the camper body while it is supported on the lifting device. The other end ofthe center segment rests on an L" shaped bracket 4l fixed to vertical member 36 by a bolt 46. The vertical member 36, in turn, is welded (W) to longitudinal segment 33. The L-shaped bracket 4l is adapted to accommodate an outwardly extending hinged member or hasp 42 having a slotted opening 43 (FIG. 5). The slotted opening 43 is of such size that it can override a staple or an outwardly extending eye member 44 mounted to one end of the middle longitudinal segment or locking bar 34. With hinged member 42 in place about the eye member 44, the hinged member can be secured as by a lock (L) (FIG. 6). This feature adds additional security against breaking and entering the camper body while it is on the lifting device and unattended. The middle longitudinal segment or locking bar 34 is provided solely for securing the camper and is not intended for support purposes. The remaining vertical and horizontal members of the rear frame, hereinafter described, provide all of the structural support that is normally required for supporting a camper body.

As shown, the rst longitudinal segment 33 is mounted at one of its ends to the vertical member 24 and at the other end to intermediate vertical member 36. The lower end of the intermediate vertical member 36 is bolted to the lower longitudinal member 32. The third longitudinal segment 35 is bolted at its ends to the vertical member 14 and a second intermediate vertical member 37. The other end of intermediate vertical member 37 is bolted to the lower longitudinal member 32. As indicated above, the middle longitudinal segment or locking bar 34 is pivotally mounted at one of its ends, through pin 45, to permit entrance into the camper while the lifting device is positioned about or encompasses the camper body 55. ln the embodiment shown, the door of the camper is centrally located in the back wall of the camper body. lf the door is located at or near one of the camper side walls, the pivotally mounted longitudinal segment or locking bar would likewise be correspondingly repositioned to permit opening and closing of the camper door. The back frame is also provided with diagonal support members 35 and 39 which are mounted to the first and third segments 33 and 34, respectively, and to the lower longitudinal member 32. The connecting bar 40 is normally mounted at or near the upper end of vertical members 13 and 23. lts exact position of attachment to the vertical members is not critical and may vary from design to design.

The purpose of the connecting bar is to prevent undue stress at the junction of the back frame and the side frame when the lifting device is being moved about. The connecting bar is disconnected and removed just prior to positioning the support member about the camper body. Although bolts are depicted in the drawings for xing the connecting bar to the vertical members, any form of connecting means may be used. For example, a more sophisticated type of quick release locking device or, simply, locking pins, may be used if desired.

At or near the ends of the two side frames l0 and 20, at least three, and preferably four, rack toothed jack bars 61, 62, 63 and 64 are vertically mounted by means of bolted brackets 65, 66, 67 and 68 to the upper longitudinal member 1l and 2l and the lower longitudinal members 12 and 22. These rack toothed jack bars are positioned such that they are Substantially parallel to the longitudinally spaced vertical members 13, 14, 23 and 24. Hollow posts 69, 70, 7l and 72 adapted with pivotally mounted levers 73, 74, 7S and 76 and pawls (not shown), telescopically engage each of the rack toothed jack bars. The hollow posts are raised or lowered along the rack toothed jack bars by means of a pumping action of the jack handles inserted into openings in each of the pivotally mounted levers.

lf preferred, a double or bifurcated type of jack handle (not shown) may be used for operating two of the jacks simultaneously or individually as the need may dictate.

As shown in FIG. 4, each of the hollow posts contain a pair of spaced apart extending side members 96 and 97 formed by an extension of the posts side walls. Each of the extending members possesses a pair of vertically spaced upstanding finger-like members 8l and 82 which extend inwardly and upwardly towards the center of the support member.

The finger-like members are adapted to receive a pair of vertically spaced rods 84 and 85 traversing the base 86 of a triangularly shaped camper support bracket 83. The support bracket 83 is firmly held to the extending members and 76 of the posts by rods 84 and which override the fingers 8l and 82 for cradling in the spaces thereby provided. ln addition, the extending side members 96 and 97 possess bored openings 77 and 78 in opposed relation. Openings 87 and 88 are also bored in the side walls 98 and 99 of the camper body support brackets 83 so that they are in axial alignment with the openings 77 and 78 when rod 85 overrides ringer 82. Threaded bolt 79 penetrates openings 77, 78, 87 and 88 and locked in position by nut 80.

The above arrangement provides added strength and support for supporting a camper body. lf preferred, rod 84 may be omitted and only rod 85 in combination with bolt 79 may be used for fastening the support bracket to the post.

Caster-type ball-bearing wheels 90, 91, 92 and 93 are swivelly mounted to the underside ends of each of the lower longitudinal members l2 and 22 by brackets 95 to permit omnidirectional movement of the support member. A locking means 94 of one type or another is also provided on one or all four of the wheels to permit locking thereof when inadvertant movement of the support member would be undesirable.

Generally, when the lifting device is to be used, it is first placed in abutting alignment with the rear section of the camper body. The connecting bar 40 is removed and the lifting device is pushed forward to encompass the camper body. A jack handle is then inserted into the opening provided in the lever and an up-and-down pumping action initiated. This raises the hollow post until the camper body support brackets mounted thereto comes into contact with the underside of the camper body. At this point the other jacks are raised until the camper body is substantially level with the floor of the truck bed.

The camper body is then raised to whatever height is desired by raising each of the jacks in sequence. If desired, as earlier described, two or more jacks may be operated in unison. When it is determined that the camper body is of sufficient height above the truck bed, the truck may be driven out from under the camper body or the lifting device may be pulled away from the truck. When a seperation has been achieved, the connecting bar is then reconnected and the lifting device and the camper body easily moved, by rolling, to any desired location.

lf the camper body contains equipment such as a gas refrigerator which should be in a substantially level position during use to insure efficient operation, the ends or corners of the camper body may be raised or lowered until the camper body is substantially level. Thus, this lifting device can serve a dual function: (l) it can function as a lifting device, and (2) it can function as a leveling device.

lf one desires to use the camper body while it is being supported by the lifting device, the intermediate segment or locking bar 34 of the upper longitudinal member 31 is pivotally lifted to permit opening of the camper door. [fone intends to leave the area where the supported camper body is being stored, the intermediate segment or locking bar 34 is lowered and the hinged overlap 42 is closed over the eye 44 and secured by means of a padlock L or other securing means.

Since this lifting device contains more than two, and preferably at least four, independently operated lifting means, the camper body is maintained in a relatively 'stable and level condition and thus lends itself to use while it is being held by the support member of the lifting device.

The side frames, support members, etc. are preferably constructed from a lightweight, high-stress material such as heavy tubular steel, reinforced aluminum, or even wood.

To prevent marring and scratching of the camper body, the camper body support brackets may also include a protective covering such as that provided by a resilient material of rubber, plastic or soft wood.

Although mechanical jacks are used in the embodiment and are depicted in the drawings, other types of independently operated lifting devices may also be used. For example, hydraulic jacks, pneumatic or electric jacks may be used if desired.

While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that certain other changes in construction may be made by one skilled in the art and would not thereby depart from the spirit and scope of this invention which is limited only by the claims appended hereto.

l claim:

l. A device for lifting camper bodies onto and off a truck bed comprising:

a. a substantially rectangular support member for encompassing a camper body which includes:

1. a pair of elongated side frames,

2. a front connecting member detachably fixed to the front sections of said side frames, and

3. a rear frame detachably connected to the rear sections of said side frames, said rear frame including a locking arm pivotally mounted at one of its ends to permit entrance into said camper body;

b. wheeled means mounted at each lower corner of said support member to permit movement of said support member over a ground surface;

c. a wheel locking means operatively carried by said support member;

d. vertical lifting means mounted at or near each of the corners of said support member, said vertical lifting means being adapted for independent lifting action;

e. opposed brackets having a protective covering mounted to each of the lifting means for engaging and supporting the undersections of a camper body at or near its comers; and

f. means for actuating said lifting device.

2. Device of claim l wherein said independent lifting means comprises a jack means.

3. Device of claim 2 wherein said jack means comprises a mechanical jack.

4. Device of claim 1 wherein said locking arm includes a securing means for preventing unwanted ingress into said camper body.

5. Device of claim 4 wherein said securing means includes a hinged bracket mounted to said rear frame, said hinged bracket having an opening to receive an eye member fixed to said rear frame.

6. Device of claim l wherein said wheels are swivelly mounted to said support member.

7. Device of claim 3 wherein said mechanical jack includes a rack toothed jack bar and a hollow post telescopically engaging said rack toothed jack bar.

8. Device of claim 7 wherein said hollow posts include means for receiving said opposed padded brackets.

9. Device of claim l wherein said side frames are mounted to said rear frame by means of pins to facilitate disassembly.

10. Device of claim 9 wherein said pins are threaded at one end to receive a threaded nut.

* Il' it Ik ik 

1. A device for lifting camper bodies onto and off a truck bed comprising: a. a substantially rectangular support member for encompassing a camper body which includes:
 1. a pair of elongated side frames,
 2. a front connecting member detachably fixed to the front sections of said side frames, and
 3. a rear frame detachably connected to the rear sections of said side frames, said rear frame including a locking arm pivotally mounted at one of its ends to permit entrance into said camper body; b. wheeled means mounted at each lower corner of said support member to permit movement of said support member over a ground surface; c. a wheel locking means operatively carried by said support member; d. vertical lifting means mounted at or near each of the corners of said support member, said vertical lifting means being adapted for independent lifting action; e. opposed brackets having a protective covering mounted to each of the lifting means for engaging and supporting the undersections of a camper body at or near its corners; and f. means for actuating said lifting device.
 2. a front connecting member detachably fixed to the front sections of said side frames, and
 2. Device of claim 1 wherein said independent lifting means comprises a jack means.
 3. a rear frame detachably connected to the rear sections of said side frames, said rear frame including a locking arm pivotally mounted at one of its ends to permit entrance into said camper body; b. wheeled means mounted at each lower corner of said support member to permit movement of said support member over a ground surface; c. a wheel locking means operatively carried by said support member; d. vertical lifting means mounted at or near each of the corners of said support member, said vertical lifting means being adapted for independent lifting action; e. opposed brackets having a protective covering mounted to each of the lifting means for engaging and supporting the undersections of a camper body at or near its corners; and f. means for actuating said lifting device.
 3. Device of claim 2 wherein said jack means comprises a mechanical jack.
 4. Device of claim 1 wherein said locking arm includes a securing means for preventing unwanted ingress into said camper body.
 5. Device of claim 4 wherein said securing means includes a hinged bracket mounted to said rear frame, said hinged bracket having an opening to receive an eye member fixed to said rear frame.
 6. Device of claim 1 wherein said wheels are swivelly mounted to said support member.
 7. Device of claim 3 wherein said mechanical jack includes a rack toothed jack bar and a hollow post telescopically engaging said rack toothed jack bar.
 8. Device of claim 7 wherein said hollow posts include means for receiving said opposed padded brackets.
 9. Device of claim 1 wherein said side frames are mounted to saiD rear frame by means of pins to facilitate disassembly.
 10. Device of claim 9 wherein said pins are threaded at one end to receive a threaded nut. 